Lesson Plan: The Battle of the Somme (KS3 History)

• History
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Lesson Plan: The Battle of the Somme (KS3 History)

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will understand the key events of the Battle of the Somme. At the end of the lesson you will be able to analyze the significance of the Battle of the Somme in the context of World War I.

The impact of the Battle of the Somme is still felt today.

Yes, it changed military tactics forever.

No, it's a historical footnote now.

It highlighted the horrors of war.

Remains significant in military education.

What do you already know about the Battle of the Somme?

Introduction to the Battle of the Somme

Major battle in WWI, fought from July 1 to November 18, 1916. Involved British and French forces against Germany.

Key Facts and Outcomes

Overview of the battle's timeline, major events, and strategic goals. Discussion of the battle's outcomes and implications.

Soldiers' Experiences

Exploration of primary sources to understand soldiers' perspectives. Analysis of letters, diaries, and official reports.

Casualty Analysis

Statistics on casualties during the battle. Discussion on reasons for high casualty rates and their impact on soldiers and families.

Significance of the Battle

Discussion on the significance of the Battle of the Somme in WWI. Its impact on military strategy, public perception, and historical memory.

Why so significant at the time?

• Laid some of the foundations of the Allies’ successes in 1918.
  
• Relieved the pressure on the French at Verdun.
  
• Inflicted serious damage on German positions in France.
  
• Slowed down attacks in Verdun.
  
• Drew resources and troops from Verdun.

What were the causes? 

The causes of the Battle of the Somme were as follows:

Compact battlefield: The small area of the battlefield led to intense fighting.

Destructive modern weaponry: The use of heavy artillery and machine guns caused unprecedented slaughter.

Failures by British military leaders: Poor planning and decision-making resulted in wave after wave of young men being sent into battle

What was a key strategy used?

1. Naval blockade
2. Guerrilla warfare
3. Artillery bombardment
4. Airborne invasion

Definition List

Battle of the Somme: A major WWI battle from July 1 to November 18, 1916, involving British and French forces against Germany. Primary Source Analysis: An activity where students examine

Analyse the diary entry you have been given. What does this tell you about the conflict?